Study Desk

Every ^[a](a)person is to be in ^(b)subjection to the governing authorities. For ^(c)there is no authority except ^[b]from God, and those which exist are established by God.

Therefore ^[c]whoever resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God; and they who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves.

For ^(d)rulers are not a cause of fear for ^[d]good behavior, but for evil. Do you want to have no fear of authority? Do what is good and you will have praise from the same;

for it is a minister of God to you for good. But if you do what is evil, be afraid; for it does not bear the sword for nothing; for it is a minister of God, an ^(e)avenger who brings wrath on the one who practices evil.

Therefore it is necessary to be in subjection, not only because of wrath, but also ^(f)for conscience' sake.

For because of this you also pay taxes, for rulers are servants of God, devoting themselves to this very thing.